Author's note: Heaps of hugs to my new beta, sphinx81 , who helped a great deal with rewriting this. Thank you very much for all your help! Hopefully, now, Eden can be more likable than before, and get away from the dangerous Mary Sure zone. I hope everyone can still enjoy the story, despite the drastic change.
The woman that opened the door was not what I expected, actually. She was wearing, if I had to guess, servant's clothes, with a white sheet covering her hair, and her clothes gray cotton. She looked at me in wonder.
"Can I help you?" she asked, cautiously. What, were they expecting trouble?
"I-" What? What was I doing here? Seeking work? Ew, no. And I won't be able to sleep here with the smell, even if they let me. "I just need some directions. Can I come in?"
It's amazing how polite I can be when I try to, no? The woman searched my face, but nodded, opening the door wider. I walked in, slipping past her. She paused looking outside, and then shut the door.
The smell was worse here, adding a flowery scent in as well. Women in very short dresses and strange hair styles were fluttering around, giggling, and I could swear I heard singing somewhere in the depths of the mansion.
"Sister, who is it?" I heard a calm, female voice. The girl looked at me, raising an eyebrow.
"Eden Cleare," I decided I didn't have to lie anymore. There was no one that could recognize me. The woman that came out from out of nowhere looked different than the other girls. She was older, and her dress was red velvet, going down to the floor, jewelry in her hair. I licked my lips- pearls. Real ones, too. Those fetch quite a price, especially in large amounts.
"Miss Cleare, welcome. I am Paola."
"Um," I wasn't sure how to reply. For the first time in my life, I stilled my sharp tongue, though I didn't bow to her, on principle. Absently, I noticed the girls around me were banding together, gawking at me. "Right. Okay, listen, I'm new around the city, and I need some help, or a place to stay. If you can point me in the…Is something wrong?" I suddenly asked, noticing the way her eyes kept darting to the room she came from.
"It's alright," she sighed slightly. "You are welcome to stay here, if you wish," I shifted my eyebrows in suspicion. That was easy. Too easy.
"I can't pay you, I'm sorry the money I have isn't worth anything here," And like hell am I going to sell one of my knives. I'd rather cut off my fingers.
"No payment necessary, though..." she suddenly turned away from me, to that room, and I heard a sob echo. She seemed unnerved as she moved over there. I followed her, noticing the girl that greeted me disappeared.
Inside the room stood a large bed, and lots of flowers, with heavy looking curtains and expensive rugs. It was all very strange to me, not seeing a TV around, no phones, no lamps, only candles. And the source of the sobbing was a woman sitting on the bed, wearing a pink dress that looked noble origin, and dark hair, as well as a darker complexion than what I saw around my home city. Beside her, in a praying position in front of- feathers? - was an older woman, looking vaguely similar to the crying girl.
Paola went to the weeping girl, while I walked around the bed to get a look at the other woman's face. Her eyes were open wider than average, and she was staring at her clenched hands.
"She's in shock," I whispered. I knew that face all too well. It was like this one day when my mother came home, a year after dad left. As well as the face my sister had when I had to carry her all the way home after I found her in an alley, curled up around herself. "Who did this?" The crying woman looked at me with red eyes.
"Who are you?" she asked, sniffing. I licked my lips.
"Someone who can kill the bastard that did this," she blinked, taking in my clothing and my hair. She seemed confused. "Just tell me who, and I'll find him." Like I found the two that did that to my mom and sister.
"Right now is not the time for that," Paola spoke, eying me with interest. "Claudia and Maria are taking refuge here while their brother and son is looking for the man who was responsible for this."
"What's your brother's name?" I asked Claudia. She quit sobbing for a second.
"E- Ezio Auditore,"
Auditore. That name sounds familiar. Somehow, maybe, I heard something like that mentioned...
I looked at the crying woman, and she looked back through tired, red eyes. "I've been trying to get her to talk for hours and hours! She won't even respond anymore!"
I hesitated, chewing on my lip. "Change her clothes, undo her hair, and try to get her to lie down. It should help a little, though unless she's injured somewhere, there's not much else you can do for now. And for the love of god, stop crying, it only upsets her more!" I snapped at Claudia as some servant girls dashed around, doing as I said. The woman glared at me, and I sighed. That came out wrong. "I'm not good at this... Just... try not to cry around her?" Her expression cleared. "What I mean is it'll help a bit if you give her something else to focus on," I muttered and she nodded as she joined in the madness around.
I sighed. What am I getting myself into? I did a quick inspection, but the woman was not injured in any way, unless it was internal bleeding. "We probably need to call an ambulance, I only know the basics!"
"What is an ambulance?"
Those four words made me freeze. I turned to Paola, slowly, momentarily blocking out the movements around me. "Paola, what year is it?"
She stopped what she was doing and looked at me in shock. "It's 1476. How can you not know this?"
Ignoring the curious, slightly fearful looks, I groaned, sinking onto the bed.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes- maybe... I need a bath..." I suddenly stated. Baths help me calm down. I received a slightly confused nod, and I sighed gratefully. I took off my jacket, stuffing it into my bag. It was too warm anyway.
"Annetta can show you where to go." Paola said. But just as I was about to leave, her eyes suddenly snapped back to me, and she took hold of my left arm in a flashing movement I did not expect from her. I stifled the urge to rip her hand off, though with some knew I wasn't used to people touching me.
"Something wrong?"
"That tattoo. Where did you get it?" she asked, her voice suddenly urgent and more aggressive. I furrowed my eyebrows.
"I had it for as long as I can remember. Why? Does it mean something?" I glanced down to the strange round triangle-like symbol on my upper arm. Paola released me, a warm smile suddenly appeared on her face.
"I'll explain later. Go on. Take your bath," Annetta pulled me away before I could get into details.
I walked out only fifteen minutes later, now feeling a lot fresher than I did the day before. I refused to take the clothes Paola and her girls offered me, saying that I felt more comfortable in my own clothing. Not to mention a dress would hinder my movements... and I was a little horrified at the idea of wearing one. Granted, I still stuck out like a sore thumb. But now was not the moment for it, I had more important things to deal with than clothes.
Drying my hair quickly, and barely brushing into acceptable condition made me look a little more female, at the very least. Well, what can I say? Despite being a backstreet girl, I liked being neat.
When I was done, I traced my way back to the room where Claudia and her mother were. Maria was changed into more free clothing, and her hair was let out to her shoulders.
"She refused to lie down." Claudia informed me, "But I think the change helped, she agreed to eat, though there's still no reaction." Suddenly, out of nowhere, she broke down again, tears rolling down her cheeks. It was so sudden that I didn't even react for a second. The woman was upset, and from what I do know of people, they like physical comfort as well as emotional. I tentatively gave her a hug. It was a somewhat foreign gesture to me. But it seemed like the right idea. "I've been trying to get her to talk, and with our house is destroyed, and father and my brothers arrested, Ezio gone to find them... !" I patted her on the back for the lack of anything better. Stepping away a minute later, she was only sniffing slightly. Well, looked like the hug worked, and a good thing too- I wasn't sure what else I could do to calm down a crying woman.
"You seem to have experience in this." she seemed mildly curious now, "If you don't mind me asking, who-?"
"My mother." I said, stony faced. "And my sister."
"And did they get through of it?" she asked, slightly fearful. She wanted to know if her mother would come back to her, and the right thing to say would be that everything would be okay, but I had a truth policy for these things. I bit my lip.
"My sister did." A pause. Then she gasped her hand going to her mouth.
"And your mother?"
"Died a week later. She was injured to severely, and we didn't have any money for a hospital." I sighed. "My sister pulled through, though." I looked at Maria, with sadness that I haven't felt in a while. I walked over to her, and she did not return my gaze. She looked different without the noble wear, though it was a positive change.
"I'm really sorry for your loss," Claudia stammered.
"It was years ago. I deal." I dismissed it, and she seemed to be stricken by the lack of emotion in my voice. "The human mind is a beautiful thing; we are blessed with short memory. Whatever I felt for either of them back then faded long ago. But yours is more recent- I think I should be the one apologizing."
She didn't reply, and I wondered how that phrase would sound to someone. Dammit, I was trying to help here! What are you supposed to say to people in these kinds of situations?
"I think my brother is back." Claudia suddenly said, listening. I nodded, standing up.
"I want to talk to him, then. If he's going to kill whoever did this, I want a part in it." Claudia looked at me strangely, but walked with me down the stairs.
"Are you sure we've got the right building?" An unsure, accented, but attractive male voice could be heard from down the stairs.
"Oh, yes, we're here." The woman laughed lightly at his discomfort, and I realized that was the girl that greeted me in the first place.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Messier Ezio." I heard Paola say.
"And you, Madonna." He was polite, but not overly so, as if he had special training in it. If this was the 15th century... God, I wish I payed more attention in history class now... Auditore... come one, it's there somewhere...
"Please, call me Paola."
"Paola, then. Where are my mother and sister?" he asked just as we were walking out onto the stair case. Claudia rushed forward to embrace the man, while I hung back. They were family after all, and who was I to interrupt?
Ezio Auditore... nothing. I can't remember. Maybe I just heard some other name that sounded similar.
"Ezio!" The girl exclaimed, throwing her arms around her brother. I took in his appearance while they exchanged heartfelt greetings. I couldn't see his face because he was wearing a white hood that concealed his features. Then there was the strange armor of sorts that I never seen before, along with a short cape thrown over his left arm. It was... dashing, I suppose. Probably didn't offer too much protection. But hey, if you die, at least you'd look cool while doing it.
My eyes stopped on the belt buckle though, and I felt unease in my throat. It looked exactly the way the tattoo on my arm did. Then my sister is right, it was not the gang that branded me as it were. Then... who?
Voice shaking, he took a deep breath. "I am so sorry. I couldn't stop them. They killed father, Federico and Petruccio." Claudia gasped, holding her hand to her mouth, and I immediately saw tears run down her cheeks. I frowned. I was not sure what was going on as I still didn't ask for the full story, but... I didn't know how to react, really, being an outsider. I leaned onto the railing of the staircase, unsure what to do.
Okay, think. When mom died, what did people tell you? Well, Jake said she's definitely in a better place now (we lived in a small apartment on the outskirts of the city that smelled like a gutter most of the time) though I also remember punching him for that. I quite liked my nose the shape it was, so I ruled that option out. And I think my sister tried to kill me, yelling it was all my fault. One of my mother's friends barely managed to pull her off me at the funeral.
Crap, what do I do? Attack him out of sympathy?
He suddenly looked at me with surprise, probably not sure where I even came from. I crossed my arms, staring back at him. Then he looked away without saying a word, while patting Claudia on the back.
"You are welcome to hide out here, of course," Paola cut in, but he raised a hand, turning to her.
"No, I can't stay."
"And where will you go, exactly?" the mistress of the brothel did not seem surprised at his answer one bit. There was a pause, and for a second it seemed that this Ezio didn't even know where to go next.
"To kill Uberto."
I smiled to myself. I was beginning to like the kid more and more. He gets straight to the point, doesn't he? And insane point, but I guess I can't really talk, can I? I absently ran a hand over my stomach, knowing there was an old scar there.
"I understand your need for vengeance, but remember, the man is very powerful!"
Damn, don't you just hate that voice of reason? I say go and kill this guy, you'll feel a lot better. But then I remembered what happened when I did that, and immediately crossed over to Paola's side. Whoever this Uberto was, if he was powerful, then it's best to actually stop and think logically.
"They know you got away, and they will be waiting for you. The entire city is aware of your presence! And besides, you are not a killer."
"Spare me the lecture!" he glared at the woman, and I glared at him.
Please listen to her, I thought, I didn't, and I regretted it a thousand times over.
"But I can make you one."
He laughed, bitterly and sadly. It was a laugh I was all too familiar with myself. "And why would you teach me how to kill?"
"No," Paola went on, "I will teach you how to survive. Come with me."
"Oh, this should be good." I winked at Claudia's worried, tearful expression. She attempted a smile though she failed, understandably so. I swallowed hard, and fled the scene. If she started crying again, I would start panicking. Well, more like freaking out, actually. I seriously don't know how to deal with crying people.
Outside, I sat on of the benches, making myself comfortable. I remembered that my bag was still in Maria's room, as well as my leather jacket. But it wasn't cold, surprisingly enough. I crossed my legs, and watched as two groups of girls suddenly emerged, giggling. I smirked when I caught the whiff of their conversations; they thought that the young noble was adorable, to which I guess I could agree. From this angle, I saw that his face was actually as attractive as his voice, with only a little scar that looked recent marring the corner of his lips. I sighed to myself.
"Becoming one with the crowds in crucial to our work." Paola began speaking. "When you enter a group of people, you blend in, and the guards tend to ignore you." I rolled my eyes.
"With that outfit they won't," I muttered. The girls closest to me snickered, but I don't think he heard me though. Paola glanced in my direction, and again, her eyes flickered to my tattoo. I had half a mind to stick my tongue out at her, though I waited until she looked away, and the girl laughed again.
Ezio walked towards the girls, gently slipping in between them. Of course, he didn't disappear, but if it was a larger crowd...besides, with those girls beside him and most of their skin shown off, I don't think anyone would be looking at him, least of all guards. I started clapping. The women beside me caught on, and started giggling again. Doesn't take much to set them off, does it?
"Can you do better, Signora?" he asked me, slightly irritated. I half closed my eyes, reminding myself that he just lost half his family, so I couldn't hold this against him. Besides, I guess I was sort of provoking him.
"I don't need to. I'm a woman with short hair that wears clothes my boyfriends left me. Would you look at me twice in a crowd of these girls?" I raised an eyebrow, and the appreciative giggling grew. I think they were flattered. But in comparison to me, an old woman with as many wrinkles as a crumpled piece of paper would look attractive. My look wasn't exactly people pleasing and was more likely to send people fleeing rather than welcoming.
"Then why are you here?" he asked. I stood up to come stand by Paola, crossing my arms again.
"Oh, comic relief mostly." And also because I liked picking on attractive boys with money and a "nobility" status (they got really interesting expressions when they lost arguments). And because I wanted in on the killing since I had nothing better to do. Because he looked so depressed that I felt like he needed a distraction, even if it was an unpleasant one. Because with my logic, I was trying to help bu taking his mind off things. So, lot's of reasons, really.
"Getting back to the point." Paola continued. "Try to follow me through the streets without drawing the attention of any of the guards."
"And if I do?" he retorted, still irritated.
"If they see you, we'll consider it a lesson learned."
"A lesson on how fast he can run, it seems." I smirked. "Save the glaring, Ezio, you look too innocent for that to work."
"I'm shocked you know what innocence is," he muttered.
"You'd be surprised," I snorted. Giving him a cocky grin, I quickly fell into step with Paola. I heard her sigh, but I just shrugged when she looked at me. What could I say? It's better than playing an obedient whore.
Me and Paola moved through the streets without any interruptions. People bowed their head in respect to her, while I barely even got a glance in my direction. My pants and army boots that actually did belong to one of my boyfriends were lost to their eyes in the sea of people, not because I blended, but because you simply couldn't see me below the shoulders in the crowds.
"You shouldn't provoke him like this," Paola spoke out of the corner of her mouth to me, so lowly that I barely heard her over the chatter.
"I'm trying to help."
"By making him angry?"
"Better angry than sad, I always say."
"You are a strange person, Eden."
"Don't I know it." She looked at me with disapproval.
"You don't know much about comfort."
"I do too. I just think you get over things faster when you break things."
"Well, if any of my cases get broken, I'll know who to blame, then," she languidly replied, even as her eyes flashed with a glare of warning. Though I rolled my eyes. it still took me by surprise, and even made me back away from her a bit. My... hm, profession required knowing how to read people. So I quickly realized that despite her profession, she certainly wasn't one to be trifled with. But neither was I, so we called it a silent truce. "Why do you wish to... help them?" she continued, and my thoughts snapped back to the present, "You're a stranger, with no obligations to them."
I took a deep breath, thinking on the question. I was acting the way I did because...I didn't think they deserved this? Because I'm not heartless? Those were the reasons for any normal person.
I started speaking, coming to a conclusion. "When my mother died, I wish I had someone to try and cheer me up or even distract me somehow, instead of offering fake sympathies, or leaving me to mope around until the rage I built up at the entire world spilled out, causing me to make one of my many mistakes." She looked at me with surprise.
"You're telling this to someone you barely know, as well," she suspiciously replied, though her voice softened with understanding. I shrugged.
"You let me into your home. The least I can offer is honesty." Giving me a fleeting grin, she gestured for me to keep following her.
We continued to walk around the streets when I remembered something. "You recognized my tattoo. What does it mean?"
"What do you think it means?" She avoided the question, and I pursed my lips.
"I used to think it was some sort of product of my gang leader's sick imagination."
"And now?"
"Now I don't know anymore. I mean, he was pretty sick, but I doubt he'd come up with anything more creative than a fist or a gun or something."
"I meant the symbol."
"Oh. That I don't know either," I stated thoughtfully, "Is it some cult sign?"
"Not exactly," she replied. I shifted my eyebrows together.
"Wait, if it means something around this place, I should at least know why the people are suddenly gathering around with pitchforks and torches, don't you think?"
"Yes, but not now. Don't worry, no one undesirable is going to recognize it."
"What do you mean not now?"
"I mean I'm not the best person to explain."
No matter how many times I asked her, she did not reply, and I was getting frustrated. She knew what it meant, and she wouldn't tell me, though that was one of the weakest excuses I have ever heard. After thinking about it for a little, I came to a conclusion that she either didn't trust me, or she didn't know how to explain. Why? God knows. Maybe they're just suspicious people. Fine, I'll find out some other way, from someone who's actually willing to share.
A few times I glanced back to make sure Ezio was still there. I'll give him this, there were times when I lost sight of him, though he always showed up in within a few moments. When our glances met, I smirked, and he made an annoyed face in my direction.
When we finally moved back into the secluded garden behind the brothel, I made a mock bow to him, finally letting out my frustration. Okay, so maybe he was not the person to poke fun of at the moment, but I couldn't resist.
"All hail to the master of disguise. He managed to walk down a street without getting in a fight once. There's no shame in cheering now, girls, I was shocked too." The girls giggled again, fluttering their eyelashes at the man. He replied me with a bow of his own, which surprised me.
"Pleasantly, I hope. And thank you for the kind praise."
I grinned to myself. He was sarcastic, but he took the bait. "So you do know the rules. Good for you, dear, good for you. Tomorrow we shall start on the basic manners," my smile gave away the joke, sadly, but my pointed hint did not go unnoticed.
He lifted my hand gently, and grazed his lips against my knuckles, smiling up at me bitterly. "Forgive me, Signora, I do hope I did not appear rude." I was stunned. And strangely enough, I didn't have the immediate urge to rip half his face off as I expected. "My name is Ezio Auditore da Firenze." I rolled my eyes at his announcement, taking my hand away from him uncomfortably. I forgot about the "flowery language" part...
"Apology accepted." I paused, squinting at his amused expression. Good, at least he cheered up a bit. "Alright, my name is Eden Cleare."
"A beautiful name," he complimented, and I sighed again. Did I miss the memo that we were on to meaningless flattery now?
"My mother did love the irony." I said crossly, and a hint of doubt graced his face. That was when Paola cleared her throat, and our attention snapped back to her.
"Well, now, you learned how to blend in. Now I can teach you to use it for stealing." I looked at her with curiosity. So not only were they whores, but thieves as well? Hard times indeed...
I learned how to pickpocket, though it was a lot harder at home- you need to either get your hand into their bags, or into their pockets. And all without being seen. But around here, it was pathetically easy. Nearly each citizen had their purses just hanging off their belts. Snatch, and done. Ezio had no trouble with the simple task. He was gone for around five minutes, before reappearing, a couple of jingling purses in his hands. Paola seemed pleased.
"Alright, ladies, you won't be needed anymore. You can go inside," she said to "the girls." All of them pouted at the same time.
"Aww, do we have to?"
"He's so innocent!"
"It's cute!"
I started shuddering at their sorrowful replies. Sure, he wasn't beastly (I wasn't blind, after all). But they were laying it on pretty damn thick. My laughter barely contained, I forced myself to bit down on my lip really hard. The salty taste of blood, though, brought my humor down a peg, and I finally calmed down.
"Now, you need a weapon," Paola told Ezio, and I suddenly couldn't hold back a snort.
"Please don't tell me you don't even have a weapon." I held a hand to my face, shaking it, "You were going to go kill someone with your bare hands? Or were you going to strangle him with your cape? I like your nerve, but that's just suicidal. Even I'm not that crazy!"
"Other than your throwing knives, I see no weapons on you either, my dear. So maybe you should hold your tongue." He was slightly irritated, and with good reason, But I just flashed him a smile.
"Who says I have no other weapons just because you can't see them?" Both of them seemed confused as I came to a stop beside Paola. "No matter. Go back to your conversation. I'll just stand over there and look pretty." Every ounce of sarcasm was meant in the statement.
"Paola, that isn't one of your girls, is it?" he suddenly asked, "She's got too much of a sharp tongue. And she looks more like a boy than a woman."
"Eden is-"
"Eden is right here," I snapped my fingers. His crack about me looking like a boy didn't faze me one bit. Actually, I was pleased- he was distracted. Paola smiled slightly, probably noticing the change too. Or some other reason I was not aware of. I don't know, these people were strange.
"She helped us take care of your mother," Ezio's expression changed, and he looked almost grateful for a second. But I crossed my arms, eager to change the subject. All I told them was what I knew and it wasn't as though I saved anyone's life here. Maria's shock was much deeper and far more complicated than a simple internal bleeding and trauma. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could to to fix that.
"I have some weapons with me," I continued, "But honestly, I'd rather kill the man myself rather than land you something out of my collection."
"Then what is it you'd have me use?" Ezio asked Paola. She smiled again, somewhat rogue like.
"Ah, but you already know the answer," she told him, handing him a bundle of... pieces of metal.
"Well that was anti-climatic." I uttered, though not with as much humor as I wanted to- I saw that sign that was on my arm again.
"My father's blade and bracer! How did you get this?" he asked, taking the stuff out of her hands. Paola was still smirking.
"By using the same skills I just taught you, of course." I mentally applauded to her. Smart, resourceful woman. If we had even a dozen of those, women would be in the government a lot faster.
"It's not exactly in working condition." he was right about that. Whatever it was, it was in no shape to kill anyone. Unless you bash it against their heads repeatedly, but who had the time for that anymore?
"I assume you're familiar with Leonardo da Vinci?" My eyes widened.
"Yes. But what does the painter factor into this?" Ezio didn't seem to understand, and I stared at him as if he was insane. Leonardo da'Vinci, the genius, inventor, artist, one of the most known men in history. And yet this noble didn't know anything of him? Then again... what part of history was this, anyway?
"He's much more than that. Just take those pieces to him. You'll see." She turned to go but suddenly stopped. "And if Eden allows, take her with you. I think you two have things to talk about."
"Ha! As if!" I crossed my arms. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was trying to get rid of me. "There's nothing to talk about," I snorted, "I don't like him."
"Then you can argue like children," she shrugged.
"Not like children." I bared my teeth again in a menacing smile. "Adults."
"Consider this the price of my hospitality, then. I do believe you wanted to help? This is your chance," she shrugged as she disappeared into the building. But I swear I heard her laughter. Reluctantly, I turned to Ezio. "Leonardo da Vinci, you say?"
"Yes, he's a friend." He lifted his hood back onto his head. Strange, I didn't even realize he took it off at some point. "Do you know of him?"
"Know of him?" I paused, unsure how to answer. "Yes, I know of him. Artist, inventor, scientist, and a genius. Well, then, I'm eager to meet him!"
"I thought you knew him?"
"No, no, I heard of him, just like everyone else has." I bit my tongue but it was too late. The words slipped out. "Never mind, let's go!" I pulled his arm towards the streets, "I trust you know this place?"
"Yes, of course."
"Good, because I don't. Oh, and don't worry too much about those pansies in tights," I gestured to one of the guards barely visible down the street. "I wanted to give them a piece of my mind anyway, so it you need a distraction, just ask," He eyed me with interest as I melted with the crowds, pulling him along, though then we switched places and he was leading me. My white shirt did not stand out too much, though his hood did. But seemed like Paola was a step ahead of us. Her girls were on every street, easily taking advantage of the fact that all guards were male and were far too busy drooling over them to actually notice us.
As we walked, I absently thought on the situation. I was in the 15th century. I didn't know how that was possible, really, but for the sake of my braincells, I assumed it was. I was in Italy, I suppose. Yet everyone still spoke English, with only occasional smatterings of Italian in between... bizarre. Then I stumbled on to a brothel asking for directions and found two women seeking refuge in there for some reason. I also learned that Claudia's and Ezio's father and brothers were just killed. It was a terrible situation, and a road I've been down before. But we had more important things to do than be consumed by fear and paralyzed by revenge. First, you had to actually go about doing the said revenge.
Somewhere along the way to Leonardo's, I saw Ezio stop out of the corner of my eye. He looked up at the walls thoughtfully, but I jerked his sleeve, knowing what he had in mind. The scene barely changed around us. But it was a lot more empty on this street. However, there were still plenty of witnesses that would not be amused if we suddenly started climbing walls.
"Don't even think about it." I hissed. As far as I remembered, there were very unfriendly guards taking walks on the roofs. And I doubt they're simply watching clouds.
"But Leonardo's place is just on the other side of these buildings," he argued, "You just can't climb walls, can you?" he raised an eyebrow, and I snorted.
"Probably better than you. But that's not what I meant. There are-"
"Care to prove it?" I narrowed my eyes, somewhat playfully.
"Don't push it, or I'll push you." I paused, and then added quietly, "Off the nearest roof."
And before he even realized what was going on, I ran at the building, and jumped, catching myself on the balcony. I barely paused to enjoy the stunned face of a woman as she leaned out to water her plants, and jumped to the ledge above her windows. The houses here were... climbable, to say the least, especially to someone who spent most of her time wall climbing.
On the top, I panted slightly and looked around only to find that Ezio arrived at almost the exact time that I did. I humphed.
"That was pretty good for a little boy."
"A little boy?" Great, he seemed to take that comment to heart. "I can't be younger than you."
"Age isn't what matters-" I suddenly stopped, glancing around. "Damn."
"Hey! This is a restricted ar-" The rest of that sentence was drowned as the guard that was unlucky enough to stumble on us choked on his own blood. I sighed, tearing my knife out of him. Reflex reaction, but a fortunate one- he was already pulling out his bow.
"I guess it's not any more. Oh dear, there are more," I sighed, "I told you this was a bad idea!" Ignoring the fact that I was the one to start climbing when I could have just gone around the building like normal, sane people do, I caught sight of a few more of those Robin Hood worthy men in tights with bows on their backs. Hurriedly ducking out of their line of sight, I could hear Ezio chuckle with laughter behind me. Despite that he probably would have still run up the walls. What sucked though, was the fact that I had no clue where I was going without him around. Otherwise, I would've ditched him in a second.
He rolled his eyes, though he now led the way. "While this saves time and Leonardo's place is just over there," he waved in an uncertain direction, "Maybe you should attempt to avoid the guard?"
"Fine," I begrudgingly admitted, though not before a considerable amount of glaring, "While we're at it, what did Paola give you?"
He hesitated, eyes tracing over me in thought. Like the mistress, his gaze also lingered on the tattoo on my arm.
"Take a picture. It lasts longer," I ordered, feeling uncomfortable. He diverted his eye ahead, probably not actually understanding what I meant. But my tone was clear enough.
"She gave me my father's blade and bracer, though I don't know how she got it," he shrugged. Glancing around cautiously before jumping down lightly onto a balcony right below us, he gestured for me to do the same. I followed, then falling onto the ground. It hurt my legs a bit, but I managed to straighten out as he knocked on the door while onlookers gasped. Oh geez, you soft skulled babies, I mused with annoyance, Never seen a woman drop out of the sky?
Hm, neither have I.
I followed Ezio inside the house, shutting the door after me.
"Leonardo!" the man called, drawing back his hood. The artist looked away from some plans he had laid out on the table in front of him. Looking around, his face beamed at the sight of man beside me.
"Ezio Auditore! I didn't expect to see you again, after everything that happened... but where are my manners, welcome!" He hugged Ezio, something that he didn't seem to be expecting.
I was hanging back, taking in the appearance of one of the most famous men in history. He seemed young, his hair a dark blond color, going down to his shoulders. Eyes a shocking blue, he seemed a bit ruffled, his hat nearly falling off. I blinked. If I needed any more proof that I was in the 15th century, this floored me completely.
"And who is this charming lady?" he asked, his voice excited. I smiled. Never in history did they say he was this... hyper? And possibly blind- calling me charming is a huge stretch.
"My name's Eden."
"Wonderful! I'm am Leonardo da Vinci. It's pleasure to meet you!"
"And you." I smiled wider, charmed by the electric blue eyes. Ezio didn't seem to understand the fascination in my face.
"Those are interesting clothes," Leonardo immediately noticed, "I don't think I've ever seen on any of the people here. And you're a lot more pale than the citizens around here. Are you from outside the city?"
The corner of my mouth pulled upwards. "Yes, You can say that. I'm not really all that sure what this city is, anyway." Damn boring history teacher that put me to sleep every time he opened his mouth. Where is it that Leonardo lived at this point? Italy, yes, but I couldn't remember any details.
"This is Florence. How did you not know that?" Ezio asked, raising an eyebrow, and I shrugged. The second time someone asked me that today, and I still don't know how to answer.
"I'm a visitor from the future, have no idea how I got here. It was sort of like... Poof, and I was on one of the roofs of this place," I said all that with a straight face, leaving him unsure if I was kidding or not. Eyes shifting between then, I sniffed, "What? Don't believe me? It's true." Leonardo looked mildly curious, while Ezio looked at me as is I've started doing the hula dance. I crossed my arms, knowing what they were thinking. "I'm not insane." I assured them. But I don't think they believed me. "My sister is insane; she will kill you for stealing her cookies. My friend Jake was insane, coming up with the most bizarre plans that actually work out in the end. You haven't seen insane."
My eyes suddenly shifted to the back of the workshop, where bodies were piles up in a corner, as well as different kinds of models and sketches. I think my eyes glittered. "Can I?"
"Of course, make yourself at home!" The artist smiled brightly, letting me pass towards the mess of things. I shifted through the papers and models, curious. I kept an ear out as I did, too, though they probably thought I couldn't hear them.
"She's not this polite with me," Ezio seemed confused.
"Really? She's strange, that's for sure. But intriguing. You probably haven't seen women like that around, no?" I didn't want to feel flattered, and yet...
"No, I haven't." The tone of his voice told me that he not only never saw people like me, but hoped he never would. I bit my lip.
"Well, anyway, what is it you came here for? Surely not to introduce me to your..."
"I'm not his girlfriend," I called over my shoulder, "Or his friend, for that matter. Someone has to keep him out of trouble though."
"Ah, yes, of course." They seemed a bit flustered, but carried on with their conversation.
"I need you to fix this." I heard the clang of metal, and thoughtful humming. I got my hands on the design plans and theories of a flying machine, skimming over the notes with interest before I moved on to the shelves that had dozens of small models and other objects that were projects that were never finished.
"- I can't fix this without the original plans, it's in too bad of shape. I'm sorry."
There was a pause. "Wait! This is encrypted! If my theory is correct, then... it may very well..."
"Very well what?"
"Just take a seat over there, this won't take long!" I snickered at the frenzied movements behind me. "If I just do this, than it will..."
"It will what? Leonardo?" I shut my eyes tightly, trying not to laugh too hard. There was a lot of dust around, and I didn't want to choke on it. Ezio was seated in a chair near me, though he didn't seem to understand what was going on anymore. I laughed lightly at his confusion as Leonardo busied himself at his table, spreading a scroll of some sorts beside him.
"Eden, keep him busy, please, I need to concentrate!" he waved a hand. Shaking my head and still smirking, I put my hand on Ezio's shoulder, keeping him in the chair. He looked at me, bewildered. It almost caused me to double over laughing again.
"What do you suggest I do, give him some paper and pencils? Or maybe you have some toys around?" I asked cheerfully, but Leonardo ignored me, and continued mumbling to himself.
Ezio was confused. From what he gathered, Leonardo would fix his father's blade, but... he seemed a little too enthusiastic to get to work.
Father.
His hands clenched at the thought of Uberto's betrayal. His family trusted him, and he turned out to be nothing but trash. He sold his loyalty to the highest bidder, it seems. And to think, if he stayed at Uberto's house when he was offered it, he would be dead just like his father and brothers now were. And then who would help his mother and sister? They'd eventually come for them, too.
And then there was the man he saw in Uberto's house, and then at the execution. He seemed vaguely familiar, though he couldn't see his face properly under the hood. Was he on his father's list of names, as well?
Surprisingly enough, it was Eden's firm hand on his shoulder that calmed him down. He was sure the gesture was not intended that way, as the woman showed nothing but dislike of him. That certainly was not a reaction he got from women. Then again, she was a strange woman, if one at all. She was wearing a snow white shirt with short sleeves, showing off a tattoo that was identical to the symbol on his armor and the blade that Leonardo fluttered over right now. Her pants were somewhat baggy and unusual texture and coloring, like a huge mixture of black, brown and green. Almost like a strange camouflage but with many many pockets on the legs. Her shoes were very unlike the high heels of noble women. Boots that went up to half her calf and with laces all the way down them, he could see barely visible handles sticking out of them.
She herself was still looking around the workshop with intense curiosity and a fascination that seemed strange, somehow. The way she talked to the artist himself was as if he was well known and respected. Yet Ezio knew for a fact he was just a humble artist not many people were aware of around Florence. At least, not yet. She seemed to see something in those sketches of his that looked just a jumble of random notes and quick sketches. Sometimes she brought the pages closer to her face, trying to read the words.
As if feeling his gaze on her, she looked at him.
"Listen, I know I'm beautiful and all that, but you don't have to keep staring at me. You might make me blush."
A strange thing about her. Where his mother was blunt and always truthful, Eden was blunt, truthful, sharp, sarcastic, somewhat mean, surprisingly cheerful and possibly insane all at the same time. To say he never met a girl like that is to say nothing. She did not hold back her opinion in the slightest when talking to him, it seemed, or bothered with courtesies. And she didn't like him for some reason he couldn't understand- what is it he did that offended her so much? Or did she just not like him?
And then there was that tattoo, the scars that were visible all over her exposed skin, marring her tan slightly. They weren't just random scrapes- they looked almost like battle scars. That, plus the fact that she had knives hidden all over her body... she was dangerous. It shined in her confident movements and her sharp hazel eyes that were so unlike the doe eyes he seen on Cristina, they were narrowed fiercely most of the time, a foreign, strange shape to them that was definitely not native in Italy.
With her warm hand on his shoulder that actually felt a little painful now, and the sound of Leonardo working and the rustle of pages, it suddenly hit him just how tired he was...